David H. Levy

David Levy's Guide Variable Stars

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

Variable stars are fascinating objects to observe; found all over the sky, they change in brightness over time and can be seen with even the most basic of equipment. Variable star astronomy is one field in which amateur astronomers can still make significant contributions to science and in this highly accessible book David Levy teaches the reader how variable stars work, and how to observe them. Using simple, non-technical terms he explains how to get started with electronic (or CCD) observing, as well as how to observe variable stars through a small telescope or binoculars. Including a section on Southern hemisphere stars, the book covers various types of object that can be observed by amateur astronomers, including more exotic phenomena like gamma ray bursts, blazars, and polars. This book will serve to motivate anyone with even a basic interest in astronomy to begin observing these fascinating objects.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Cambridge University Press
• Seitenzahl: 278
• Erscheinungstermin: 15. Dezember 2005
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 244mm x 170mm x 15mm
• Gewicht: 560g
• ISBN-13: 9780521608602
• ISBN-10: 0521608600
• Artikelnr.: 15097425

Autorenporträt

David Levy is one of the most successful comet discoverers in history, and the author or editor of 31 books and other products.

Inhaltsangabe

Foreword to first edition; 1. Getting to know the sky; 2. Magnitude, color, and distance; 3. A word on binoculars and telescopes; 4. Learning to see; 5. Getting to know the variables; 6. Getting started with cepheids; 7. Algol, the demon of autumn; 8. How to estimate a variable; 9. Names and records; 10. How your observations help us understand a variable star; 11. Observing hints; 12. Observing with CCDs; 13. Stately and wonderful; 14. Stars of challenge; 15. Bright, easy, and interesting; 16. Betelgeuse: easy and hard; 17. Not too regular; 18. Nova? What nova?; 19. Supernovae; 20. Clyde Tombaugh's star and the family of cataclysmic variables; 21. A Nova in reverse?; 22. RU Lupi?; 23. Orion, the star factory; 24. Other variable things; 25. The Sun; 26. Suggested variables for observation throughout the year; 27. January, February, March; 28. April, May, June; 29. July, August, September; 30. October, November, December; 31. Southern Sky notes; 32. Stars and people; 33. Hands-on astrophysics for the next generation; 34. Going further; 35. Glossary and abbreviations.

Rezensionen

'... as a simple guide for the novice observer, this volume has no rival.' Astronomy Magazine